@Anonymous: Funny thing I never hear all those complaints about refugee assassins on the run and I am a German in the Netherlands...I own a house just south of Schiphol airport and we have a mosque in my city and many muslim people, we never ever had any issues with them. To be honest, if there are issues these are mostly with stubborn locals (there are nice and stubborn people everywhere, I don't put it down to their origin). Also, I quite enjoy the quirkiness and the exotic food that comes with it. If you like croquettes and stropwaffels every day, thats up to you. I really like Couscous and Indian food.

As to the costs of living, Amsterdam and the entire Randstad around it are really crazy expensive. To be honest, many locals that we know are really struggling even when they have good jobs. Forget having a big car to ferry the kids around or to go on cross European trips unless its officially a campervan or at least 20 years old, as by that time your tax will be reduced. Also if someone is from outside of the EU, after some time you will need to pass the Dutch driving licence test, which is very complicated compared to Canada and the US and costs thousands.

We make a family income of about 65K and we are not saving anything, we have two little children, one car and pay a very reasonable mortgage as it is outside of Amsterdam. I am looking to move either countries or jobs to have left over more money. So far it looks like we will move countries as with daycare costing 1700 Euros per child for five days a week, it this moment one of us just can't work at all and once you earn over 60K a year, you are really screwed by the Dutch revenue service as you will be left without any benefits and on top of that pay more taxes.

#Anonymous on Feb 19, 2018
:

@#Anonymous

So... she's Dutch and of course lives in denial, you're not... but you know better and no more no less you want lo leave the whole region (Western Europe) because of the migrants.
Last medical check what the doctor recommended you ?

#Anonymous on Feb 06, 2018
:

@ #Daley

I'm not Dutch but nice way to show your ignorance. Being realistic about the awful situation in Amsterdam isn't the same as being negative. The migrant problem is getting worse by the day (though it's true that it's definitely worse in other EU countries), but we all know that there are people living in bubbles like you all over Europe who continue to pretend everything is just fine.

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MIGRANTS. There are bomb threats at train stations and other places not only in Amsterdam but also in other places in the Netherlands.

Violence against homosexuals is on the rise in the Netherlands. Before the end of January there were at least three attacks in Amsterdam alone. The criminals are always from the same group.

I'm so sick of the political situation in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, so I only briefly read about the latest debacle before getting nauseous and having to give up, but there are people in Amsterdam who want to scrap the mayoral election and have a specific group of people hand pick the mayor, as they suspect a right-wing mayor might be elected, since an increasing number of people are getting fed up with the migrant problem. So yeah, they want to scrap democracy in order to uphold violence.

#Bob on Jan 11, 2018
:

Amsterdam is a very overpriced city. The prices as high as in London.
The average price for rent of 2bedrooms is 1800 - 2500 EUR. The food price is huge, eating out and at home cost a lot.

People working on decent jobs pay high taxes so all money goes. Do not believe good reviews. It can be locals who want to make a good impression.

#Daley on Jan 03, 2018
:

Very negative person down here. There might be some criminal refugees but most are still on the run for war or a bad situation. I would like that people would help me when war breaks out here. But a lot of Dutch people are very negative and forget the humanity aspect of things. That aside, Amsterdam is still completely fun to live in. I live in the South which is a pretty expensive place to buy a home compared to the city center it is a bit cheaper but still one of the most expensive parts. Cost of rent for a 80 m2 apartment can be around 2000€ a month. Buying a home is atm much more expensive than is listed. Our house is recently valued at 530000 for 79 m2. Do have to say it is luxuriously built. But Probably will even get overbid. So outside city center 80m2 house will cost you in good areas 500000 or something, cheaper areas 400000 and up. The housing market is crazy here atm. It was 3 years ago 40% cheaper. For a family home with like 4 bedrooms expect to pay up to a million not kidding. It is crazy to buy. The rest of the prices I find accurate. I find it fun to talk about these thing anyone having questions about Amsterdam I am willing to answer (29 yo woman with an pretty decent/normal income and life here). You can ask me through instagram @dutchdaleyy

#Anonymous on Jul 30, 2017
:

Guys, Amsterdam is no longer a great place to live. It's WAY overpriced, WAY overcrowded, WAY overhyped, WAY overtaxed. The city has about 1million residents, plus 17million+ tourists a year, plus a regular influx of hundreds and hundreds of migrants passing for refugees, plus a growing, troublesome Moroccan population, plus a government that taps into your bank account whenever it feels like you need to pay some new tax (read about renters paying water taxes for previous tenants).

So I'll be honest with you: I'm fed up with this place! So sorry, but my reply won't be painting you a rainbow view of Amsterdam:

@Canadian: Yeah, what you found online sounds about right. Sure you can buy that kind of house - as long as you have a lot of money. You can go outside of Amsterdam to places like Zwolle, but really, if you're going to live there you might as well stay in Canada.

If you want an actual house in Amsterdam you might be able to find some nice completed ones in Ijburg for about 1million euros. Also, there's a big brouhaha because of "efpacht", which is making homes even more overpriced. A lot of expat families like to live in Hilversum so do check it out, or Rotterdam (where I personally wouldn't live). There's always the option of buying a bigger place in one of the horrible Muslim neighborhoods. Good luck with that...

-Healthcare and schooling: health insurance costs about 100E/month with a 385E yearly deductible, and it SUCKS. Good luck getting the ER *not* to turn you away when you show up doubled over because of an infection. Primary and secondary schools are free but not childcare or university. There's govt assistance for families but not sure you qualify with a high salary.

-One of the reasons I want to leave Western Europe is the "refugee" situation. Many people are fine with it, of course, though not the people who were hacked/shot to death in many places in Germany, France, Sweden etc. For some reason we don't have much migrant violence in Amsterdam (we mostly have a riot or some rapes in asylum centers), but we do have a lot of problems with MENA Muslims, mainly Moroccans, and attacks against gays are on the rise, and there are police stationed outside every single Jewish anything in town. Amsterdam is opening yet another asylum center, while the working class continues to not have affordable homes to live.

-Car: I don't have one but I hear it's expensive, and depending on where you live you need to get on the parking wait list. If you live outside the ring there shoudl be free street parking though.

@Vanessa: cost of living is high, especially housing and especially if you have kids. You can get govt assistance depnding on your income, though. Salaries are not great and have not kept up with the ever rising cost of living. With that many kids you'll need at least a 3-bedroom apt, which you could rent furnished for about 2,500E - it's much cheaper to buy, thoguh I'm not sure what the deal is with erfpacht. I don't know what you do but minimum wage is under 10E/hour, and health insurance (100E/month for a single person) is not free and it's mandatory.

#Anonymous on Jul 27, 2017
:

Hey am a young kenyan girl looking to move there, i just want a pretty simple place to live in low rent but at a good neighbourhood with good people.I also don't want to spend alot of money.How much do you think i would need in a month

#Canadian on Jul 27, 2017
:

So I am wondering if moving from Canada would be a good idea. I recently got an offer from a company and I may be able to drag them to a 100,000 Euros, which is equivalent to what I am earning here. Here are my questions:

- In Toronto I can own a massive (4 +2 bed, 4 bath, 3000sqft) newly built house for around $600K (equivalent of 410K Euro) - can I buy this kind of a house in Amsterdam or within a 1 hour commute? I tried to look online but most of the houses were 1.5Million Euros or above and looked like matchboxes. The insides were mostly like a museum.
- We have free healthcare and free schooling in Canada - is it the same in Amsterdam?
- I hear a lot about the refugee situation in Europe, I don't know how bad (or good) is that - is it worth taking a leap?
- Car ownership: We have two cars here, I love driving, will I be asking for trouble buying and maintaining a car in Amsterdam? Parking, insurance wise?

#Vanessa on Jun 22, 2017
:

Hi there,
we are a family of 4 kids ages are 6 and 9, we are from South Africa, Cape Town but are desperate to immigrate. We love Amsterdam and are starting our research to move there. I'm trying to get an honest opinion on average salaries and cost of living?

#No supermarkets? on May 15, 2017
:

Open Google Maps and search for Dirk, is a chain of supermarkets spread in all neighborhoods of Amsterdam, centre included.

Expensive but depends for which standard, for an Italian student probably yes, for a skilled specialist from any big Asian city is probably not that expensive.

#Anonymous on Mar 22, 2017
:

just returned from amsterdam. very dear place! couldn't find one supermarkek in the town centre,

#David Dooling on Sep 09, 2016
:

I am considering opening a small vape shop in Amsterdam. What would the rent amount to with utilities?

#Jesse on Sep 08, 2016
:

Amsterdam is in the shitter. Prices are going up faster than this site can be updated. 1,300e for a 1-bd? In your dreams. For 1,500 you might find one in a shitty neighborhood OUTside the city center, which is crawling with bloody tourists.

The city is way overpriced and honestly, nearly all the interesting people who made this city as wonderful as it have been pushed out by skyrocketing prices.

For a single person more realistic monthly expenses are around 1,200e - if you find a dingy room in a shitty apartment to share with 3 other people. On your own? Good luck.

#Anonymous on Jun 14, 2016
:

For # sunil
You should stay in the USA go back to school. Learn English and how not to depend on other govt. or your own. Applauded

#Nashe on Jun 11, 2016
:

Hello I am a Namibian visual artist and I would like to move to Netherlands to make some living..we do not really have art support here our art industry is too small, we get supported by European tourist, especially tourists from Netherlands, Germany, England, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland..I tried to apply for studies but I can't get financial support to further my knowledges and skills..Any Help I will be grateful and appreciate.

#aisal on Apr 20, 2016
:

Hi, i am going to come to Amsterdam for living, i want to start a business there in amsterdam, a confectionary, i am a qualified one, with delicious traditional Tabrizian sweets,. Is it a good moneymaker job? Let me know aboutit. I have a 10 year old kid.

#Angela Hartman on Apr 06, 2016
:

Don't do it! We are family of three spend about 6000 a month. Rent, health insurance, day care ( only 2days a week 720 euro a month!) food etc. not including holidays and not going out all that much. Quality of life is not that great.

#Estefania on Feb 29, 2016
:

Hi! my boyfriend and I are looking to move to Amsterdam for 1 or 2 years he has a full scholarship for his master degrees, and i'm trying to find a job. We wanna know the approximate expenses of living there monthly, including the rent of an aparment (with furniture), grocery expenses and services like water, electricity, gas , etc. and maybe an occasional night for good food. Thanks any comment will serve!

#Sunil on Feb 10, 2016
:

Hi,
I am planning to move from US to Amsterdam. A clear answer to following will be great.
1. Rent 3 bedroom apartment with furnishing like refrigerator, stove, microwave, drier & cleaner, etc?

2. Grocery for family of four?

3. Utility cost (Electricity , Internet , TV cable)

4. Daycare cost / month

5. Schooling cost? Do they have English schools or Dutch schools only

6. Travel cost (public)

7. How much for buying independent house?

8. How is weather? Is it cold through out?

9. How much is the tax?

10. Cost of health and life insurance?

11. What benefits does Govt. provide to working expats?

#Ashot on Jan 27, 2016
:

I'm 28 YO old male frome mother Russia, im living in the most fashist country in the world, im not russian and they tryying discriminate me all time, how can i move to Neatherland for taking
political refuge

#KiwiInDam on Nov 12, 2015
:

@Luke

I just moved to Amsterdam, I'm also originally from NZ. I think it would be a bit hard for a family of 4 (depending on your children's ages) on that salary if your wife isn't working. If she was working then it could be manageable if you could get your total income to circa EUR70-90k per annum.

Rentals are expensive here and there is a big lack of options. Renting in Amsterdam is quite expensive and if you do take the plunge with that salary it would be best to look in a place like Amstelveen which is not too far away from the city. If you want to be based in and around Amsterdam you would expect to pay EUR1700 to EUR2000 per month on rent to cater to a family of 4 (2 bedrooms). Apart from rentals most other costs are similar to NZ.

#Luke on Oct 08, 2015
:

How manageable/decent is Euros 55000/Year salary in Amsterdam for a family of four?
Moving from NZ to Amsterdam. Family of Four (2 Adults and 2 teenagers). I'm also eligible for the 30% tax-cut as offered by the employer. Not sure what the taxes are, rents seem to be pretty steep. How decent is the above salary. The only thing our family likes doing is eating out and roaming the country (museums, etc.) otherwise no eccentric habits or tastes.

#Lolla on Oct 01, 2015
:

I'm 55 female ,divorced...Have been checking out Amsterdam for about a year...hopefully meet some English speaking people around my age...want to start living life!!!

#joan on Sep 24, 2015
:

Hi, I'm thinking to move in Amsterdam, how easy os to find a job?I have studied accountancy and i'm working in a 5* Hotel as Hostess. From where i can start to search for a job?is it easy to find a job only with Enghlish?i dont speak Dutch

#Matteo on Aug 29, 2015
:

Hi there, I'm just taking a job in Amsterdam for 2500 gross monthly. I'm not from the Netherlands so I don't know the real value of this kind of wage, is it a good?

#mpkaswan on Aug 15, 2015
:

one agency who is recruiting nurses for Netherland is offering 3000 euro with accommodation, and also saying that you can save 1 lakh indian rupees per month after all expenses, i m working here in indio as a regular govt employee and getting 70000 per month and wish to leave the job for bright future in Netherland , can anybody suggest me something about it what should i do??????????????????????????????????

#Martijn on Aug 10, 2015
:

All in all it's a good destination for highly skilled professionals. Apart from cost of living, which is high in Amsterdam, but decent in all areas surrounding it, you get some benefits being an expat.

Yeah, you have to pay an overpriced vegetable or fruit, compared to Spain or France, but you get the best of public transportation if need to commute in and out of Amsterdam.

You have to pay the road tax if you own a car, but the road is great, too.

All in all, the cost of living here it's higher compared to some other Western European cities, but as a highly skilled you'll be doing better that the average Dutch fellows.

And yeah, duchies are open minded persons, but they have their limits as well.

#Ji Won Chong on Aug 04, 2015
:

Hello guys, I am doing a research project on the fruit markets in Netherlands. I am working on a marketing strategy to export table grapes to the country, so I will be needing the market price of table grapes there. If anyone could update the info. or mention it in the comments, it will be incredibly appreciated! Cheers.

#Dr Jay on Jul 20, 2015
:

@musicfan - You haven't actually asked any question. And the Indians' queries get ignored because they ask ten thousand times the same info they could get from just using the site & looking at the data above. They ask in 100 different ways: "How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam" - DOH!?!

What's your question? If I were you, I would get a room in a shared flat. You usually pay individual rent & then split utility costs, though they may be included. This is ideal cuz you won't have to put up a lot of cash for deposits & fees, you can move in quickly (often immediately) & you know the place is in usuable condition cuz there are people already living there (your future flatmate(s)). Alternatiely, you could get a room at a hostel or BnB-type place. Another good thing in thE Netherlands is that it is TINY & has AMAZING public transport, the equivalent of being able to live in DC but work in NYC on a 45-minute commute. You don't have to live in Amsterdam city centre to enjoy it; it's a max of 2 hours from every other major city in the country! So, live near a windmill & canal in the country for cheap & take a 15-min train-ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station! If you don't speak Dutch, try googling for "shared rooms Amsterdam", try Craigslist Amsterdam to hook up with other expats. Everyone speaks English & Amsterdam's full of weirdos & drug addicts, so you won't stand out.

Bon Voyage! Better late than never!

#musicfan49 on Jul 18, 2015
:

Oh Well, I'll throw my hat into the ring as well, but it doesn't appear many questions are being answered. 1st.....I' not looking for a job. I don't have a wife or kids. I could care less with most of the inquiries that I've seen. I'm a 66 yr old blues guitarist that needs a breather from the good old USA. I have hair down to my ass, so I stick out a bit. Looking for a very simple place to sleep eat and create an entirely new play list. I'd like to stay for between 4 and 6 months. I don't want to live in an obviously dangerous neighborhood, but I need very little.....350-500 SQ Ft.....electricity ......a bath room and running water. That's about it. I just want to bury myself in my music and be left alone.

Come on folks............somebody out there must have a clue. I'll be doing the tourist thing this March 1st 1016. I'll need to find a place by then.

#Hampik Antranikian on Jul 12, 2015
:

what s happened there tall me please it is neccessary to live my country and to live in other thing?

#Anonymous on Jun 04, 2015
:

How much will it cost for a student eg on my own outside the city centre I mean I'm not fussy about it at the start so are there cheap options available ? Thanks

#Tom on Feb 15, 2015
:

hi

I am going to Amsterdam.

how much do whores charge there?

#ganny on Oct 20, 2014
:

hi I some imformation im a Malaysian live in Hawaii usa almost 25 year im planning to move to retherland to start a small business like handy man 24 hour x 7 day a week. do have any idea the netherland allowed me to have thew business

#Anonymous on Jun 30, 2014
:

I am interested in moving to Armen. What is the housing cost to rent in Armen? Health care for expats, do I need health care or can I pay as I go?

#subha on May 08, 2014
:

i would like know ,, how much is the cost for a new flat around amsterdam ,,or any other small town ,, is it 2 lakh - 2.5 lakh EURO ?? what about in small town ??

#Koen on Apr 11, 2014
:

@Vabby and Linnie

I would say that is enough to live from. But it all depends on where you want to live (in the center area renting will cost you approximately 1500-2000 euro's a month for a house of 100m2), inside the center it is more expensive and outside the center you can count on 1000-1500 per month. If you want to buy, you should think of a price of 500.000-700.000 in the center for a standard family home (again in the center), outside the center you will pay appr. 300.000-400.000. Food will cost you 200 euro's per month per person (only buying at supermarket). And utilities will cost around 300 per household. Going to primary and high school is relatively cheap (maybe a few hundred euros a year), but going to university is more expensive (appr. 2000 euros a year). Extra's like eating at a restaurant will cost you 30-40 per person. Most people (age 20-30) in the center live of around 1500-2000 euro's per month. With children it becomes doable from appr. 3000-4000. Again, this is for living in the center of Amsterdam. And it all depends on your own lifestyle.

#Ozkan on Apr 02, 2014
:

Hi, I got a job offer as an engineer from amsterdam. how much many could I ask for salery (without tax)?

#Vabby on Mar 27, 2014
:

Hi, I am from india getting an offer of around 70000 Euros in amsterdam. Will that be good to live a good life with parents, wife and kids